Ezekiel 32

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1 In the twelfth year, on the first day of the twelfth month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas. You thrash about in your rivers, churning up the waters with your feet and muddying the streams.’ 3 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will spread My net over you with a company of many peoples, and they will draw you up in My net. 4 I will abandon you on the land and hurl you into the open field. I will cause all the birds of the air to settle upon you, and all the beasts of the earth to eat their fill of you. 5 I will put your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your remains. 6 I will drench the land with the flow of your blood, all the way to the mountains— the ravines will be filled. 7 When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. 8 All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you, and I will bring darkness upon your land,’ declares the Lord GOD. 9 ‘I will trouble the hearts of many peoples, when I bring about your destruction among the nations, in countries you do not know. 10 I will cause many peoples to be appalled over you, and their kings will shudder in horror because of you when I brandish My sword before them. On the day of your downfall each of them will tremble every moment for his life.’ 11 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘The sword of the king of Babylon will come against you! 12 I will make your hordes fall by the swords of the mighty, the most ruthless of all nations. They will ravage the pride of Egypt and all her multitudes will be destroyed. 13 I will slaughter all her cattle beside the abundant waters. No human foot will muddy them again, and no cattle hooves will disturb them. 14 Then I will let her waters settle and will make her rivers flow like oil,’ declares the Lord GOD. 15 ‘When I make the land of Egypt a desolation and empty it of all that filled it, when I strike down all who live there, then they will know that I am the LORD.’ 16 This is the lament they will chant for her; the daughters of the nations will chant it. Over Egypt and all her multitudes they will chant it, declares the Lord GOD." 17 In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit: 19 Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised! 20 They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes. 21 Mighty chiefs will speak from the midst of Sheol about Egypt and her allies: ‘They have come down and lie with the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.’ 22 Assyria is there with her whole company; her graves are all around her. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword. 23 Her graves are set in the depths of the Pit, and her company is all around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who once spread terror in the land of the living. 24 Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who once spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. 25 Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain. 26 Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitudes, with their graves all around them. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, because they spread their terror in the land of the living. 27 They do not lie down with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, whose swords were placed under their heads, whose shields rested on their bones, although the terror of the mighty was once in the land of the living. 28 But you too will be shattered and lie down among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. 29 Edom is there, and all her kings and princes, who despite their might are laid among those slain by the sword. They lie down with the uncircumcised, with those who descend to the Pit. 30 All the leaders of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down in disgrace with the slain, despite the terror of their might. They lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit. 31 Pharaoh will see them and be comforted over all his multitude— Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD. 32 For I will spread My terror in the land of the living, so that Pharaoh and all his multitude will be laid to rest among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD."

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What Is This Chapter About?

Theme: Lamentation Over Pharaoh and Egypt

Ezekiel 32 is a lamentation over Pharaoh and Egypt, declaring God's judgment upon them for their pride and wickedness. This chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God. The prophet Ezekiel is instructed by God to lament the fall of Pharaoh, comparing him to a lion and a whale, symbolizing his strength and dominance, but also his eventual downfall.

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Key Verse

Christ in This Chapter

Holy Spirit

Key Words / Phrases

Names of God

Key Verse

Ezekiel 32:12 "I will throw you down, and I will make you lie down in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. Around you will be all the leaders of the nations who have fallen, who have gone down to the grave in dishonor, who once wielded the sword, who lived in splendor, and who are now laid to rest with the uncircumcised, with those who have fallen by the sword."

This verse highlights the judgment that will befall Pharaoh and Egypt, emphasizing the shame and dishonor that they will suffer. The key verse serves as a central theme in the chapter, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the consequences of pride and wickedness.

Key Words in Ezekiel 32

"lion"

The lion is a symbol of strength and dominance, used to describe Pharaoh's power and influence. However, it also serves as a reminder of the transience of human power and the inevitability of God's judgment.

"whale"

The whale is a symbol of Pharaoh's dominance over the seas, but also serves as a reminder of his limitations and the boundaries set by God. The whale is used to illustrate the extent of Pharaoh's power, but also his eventual downfall.

"pride"

Pride is a central theme in this chapter, as it is the root of Pharaoh's downfall. The prophet emphasizes the dangers of pride and the importance of humility, warning nations and individuals against exalting themselves against God.

"judgment"

Judgment is a recurring theme in this chapter, as the prophet declares God's judgment upon Pharaoh and Egypt. The chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.

Christ in This Chapter

This chapter points to Christ in that it highlights the consequences of human pride and the importance of humility. Just as Pharaoh and Egypt were brought low due to their arrogance, so too will all nations and individuals who exalt themselves against God. In contrast, Christ, who is the ultimate example of humility, will be exalted by God (Philippians 2:5-11). The chapter also foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God over all nations and the establishment of His kingdom, which will be fulfilled through Christ's return (Ezekiel 32:17-32). (John 12:31 · 1 Corinthians 1:27-31)

Names of Deity

Names and pronouns referring to God are marked throughout the text.

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‹ Chapter 31 Ezekiel — All Chapters Chapter 33 ›

Study Notes — Ezekiel 32

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Chapter Summary
Context for the Chapter
Heart Application
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Voices from the Church
Outline for Preaching
Core Doctrines
Lessons from Ezekiel 32
Themes from Ezekiel 32
Questions for Meditation
Detailed Chapter Outline
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Cross References
Sermons on Ezekiel 32
Matthew Henry Commentary
What Do You Notice?

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a lamentation over Pharaoh, comparing him to a lion and a whale, symbolizing his strength and dominance, but also his eventual downfall (Ezekiel 32:1-2). The prophet then pronounces judgment upon Pharaoh and Egypt, declaring that they will be cast into the pit, and their allies will also fall (Ezekiel 32:3-16). The chapter concludes with a message to the other nations, warning them of God's judgment and declaring that Egypt will be laid low, and Pharaoh's pride will be brought down (Ezekiel 32:17-32). The prophet's message serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 32 is part of a larger section of the book of Ezekiel that deals with God's judgment upon the nations. The chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. The prophet's message is set in the context of the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites are struggling to come to terms with their own sin and the consequences of God's judgment. The chapter provides a broader perspective on God's sovereignty and the consequences of human pride, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace.

Heart Application

This chapter serves as a warning to all individuals who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. As we reflect on the chapter, we are reminded of the dangers of pride and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace. We are called to examine our own hearts, recognizing the ways in which we may be exalting ourselves against God, and to humble ourselves before Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel 32 is a chapter about God's judgment on Pharaoh and Egypt. The prophet Ezekiel is told to lament the fall of Pharaoh, who is compared to a lion and a whale. The chapter warns against pride and emphasizes the importance of humility. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the dangers of exalting ourselves against God and the importance of trusting in His mercy and grace. We are called to examine our own hearts, recognizing the ways in which we may be exalting ourselves against God, and to humble ourselves before Him.

Voices from the Church

“The prophet's message is not just a warning to the nations, but also a call to repentance and faith. We are reminded that God's judgment is not just a punishment, but also a means of restoring His people to Himself.”
— John Calvin

“The downfall of Pharaoh and Egypt serves as a reminder of the transience of human power and the inevitability of God's judgment. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to humble ourselves before Him, recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses.”
— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

Introduction to the Lamentation (Ezekiel 32:1-2) — The prophet Ezekiel is instructed by God to lament the fall of Pharaoh, comparing him to a lion and a whale, symbolizing his strength and dominance, but also his eventual downfall.
The Judgment of Pharaoh and Egypt (Ezekiel 32:3-16) — The prophet pronounces judgment upon Pharaoh and Egypt, declaring that they will be cast into the pit, and their allies will also fall. The chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.
The Message to the Other Nations (Ezekiel 32:17-32) — The chapter concludes with a message to the other nations, warning them of God's judgment and declaring that Egypt will be laid low, and Pharaoh's pride will be brought down. The prophet's message serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.
The Use of Animal Imagery (Ezekiel 32:2-3) — The chapter uses animal imagery, such as the lion and the whale, to describe Pharaoh's strength and dominance. However, these images also serve as reminders of the transience of human power and the inevitability of God's judgment.
The Emphasis on Pride (Ezekiel 32:9-12) — The chapter emphasizes the dangers of pride, warning nations and individuals against exalting themselves against God. The prophet highlights the consequences of pride, including shame, dishonor, and judgment.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God: This chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all nations, emphasizing His power and authority to judge and redeem. The prophet's message serves as a reminder of God's control over human events and the importance of trusting in His mercy and grace.
The Dangers of Pride: The chapter warns against the dangers of pride, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. The prophet highlights the consequences of pride, including shame, dishonor, and judgment.
The Importance of Humility: The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, warning nations and individuals against exalting themselves against God. The prophet's message serves as a call to repentance and faith, reminding us of the dangers of pride and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace.
The Universal Nature of God's Judgment: The chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. The prophet declares that God's judgment is universal, and that all nations will be held accountable for their actions.

Lessons from Ezekiel 32

The Dangers of Pride — The chapter warns against the dangers of pride, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. We are reminded of the consequences of pride, including shame, dishonor, and judgment.
The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, warning nations and individuals against exalting themselves against God. We are called to trust in God's mercy and grace, recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses.
The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all nations, emphasizing His power and authority to judge and redeem. We are reminded of God's control over human events and the importance of trusting in His mercy and grace.
The Universal Nature of God's Judgment — The chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. We are reminded that God's judgment is universal, and that all nations will be held accountable for their actions.
The Call to Repentance and Faith — The chapter serves as a call to repentance and faith, reminding us of the dangers of pride and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace. We are called to examine our own hearts, recognizing the ways in which we may be exalting ourselves against God, and to humble ourselves before Him.

Themes from Ezekiel 32

Pride and Humility — The chapter emphasizes the dangers of pride and the importance of humility, warning nations and individuals against exalting themselves against God. We are reminded of the consequences of pride, including shame, dishonor, and judgment.
The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all nations, emphasizing His power and authority to judge and redeem. We are reminded of God's control over human events and the importance of trusting in His mercy and grace.
The Universal Nature of God's Judgment — The chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. We are reminded that God's judgment is universal, and that all nations will be held accountable for their actions.
The Importance of Trusting in God's Mercy and Grace — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. We are called to recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, and to trust in God's sovereignty and power.
The Call to Repentance and Faith — The chapter serves as a call to repentance and faith, reminding us of the dangers of pride and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace. We are called to examine our own hearts, recognizing the ways in which we may be exalting ourselves against God, and to humble ourselves before Him.

Questions for Meditation

What are some ways in which we can exalt ourselves against God, and how can we humble ourselves before Him?
How does the chapter's emphasis on pride relate to our own lives and experiences?
What are some ways in which we can trust in God's sovereignty and mercy, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity?
How does the chapter's use of animal imagery contribute to its overall message and themes?
What are some ways in which we can apply the chapter's warnings against pride and its emphasis on humility to our own relationships and interactions with others?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Lamentation (Ezekiel 32:1-2)

32:1	The prophet Ezekiel is instructed by God to lament the fall of Pharaoh, comparing him to a lion and a whale, symbolizing his strength and dominance, but also his eventual downfall.
32:2	The prophet pronounces judgment upon Pharaoh, declaring that he will be cast into the pit, and his allies will also fall.

2. The Judgment of Pharaoh and Egypt (Ezekiel 32:3-16)

32:3	The prophet declares that God will throw Pharaoh into the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who have fallen by the sword.
32:4	The prophet pronounces judgment upon Egypt, declaring that it will be laid waste, and its people will be scattered.

3. The Message to the Other Nations (Ezekiel 32:17-32)

32:17	The prophet declares that the other nations will also be judged, and that they will be laid low, just like Egypt.
32:18	The prophet pronounces judgment upon the leaders of the nations, declaring that they will be cast into the pit, with those who have fallen by the sword.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Ezekiel 32?

The main theme of Ezekiel 32 is the judgment of Pharaoh and Egypt, and the warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God. The chapter emphasizes the dangers of pride and the importance of humility, warning nations and individuals against exalting themselves against God (Ezekiel 32:1-2).

How does the chapter's use of animal imagery contribute to its overall message and themes?

The chapter's use of animal imagery, such as the lion and the whale, contributes to its overall message and themes by highlighting the strength and dominance of Pharaoh, but also his eventual downfall. The images serve as reminders of the transience of human power and the inevitability of God's judgment (Ezekiel 32:2-3).

What are some ways in which we can apply the chapter's warnings against pride and its emphasis on humility to our own relationships and interactions with others?

We can apply the chapter's warnings against pride and its emphasis on humility to our own relationships and interactions with others by recognizing the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. We are called to trust in God's mercy and grace, recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and to humble ourselves before Him (Ezekiel 32:9-12).

Top Cross References

	Reference	Connection
1	Ezekiel 32:1 → Isaiah 14:4-23	The prophecy against the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14:4-23 is similar to the prophecy against Pharaoh in Ezekiel 32:1-2, highlighting the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.
2	Ezekiel 32:2 → Job 41:1-34	The description of the whale in Ezekiel 32:2 is similar to the description of the leviathan in Job 41:1-34, highlighting the power and dominance of God over all creation.
3	Ezekiel 32:3 → Psalm 74:13-14	The image of God throwing Pharaoh into the midst of the uncircumcised is similar to the image of God dividing the sea and crushing the heads of the sea monsters in Psalm 74:13-14, highlighting God's power and authority over all creation.
4	Ezekiel 32:4 → Jeremiah 51:34-44	The prophecy against Egypt in Ezekiel 32:4 is similar to the prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 51:34-44, highlighting the judgment that will befall the nations that exalt themselves against God.
5	Ezekiel 32:9 → Revelation 18:1-24	The fall of Egypt in Ezekiel 32:9 is similar to the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:1-24, highlighting the judgment that will befall the nations that exalt themselves against God.
6	Ezekiel 32:12 → Isaiah 2:10-22	The prophecy against the nations in Ezekiel 32:12 is similar to the prophecy against the nations in Isaiah 2:10-22, highlighting the judgment that will befall the nations that exalt themselves against God.
7	Ezekiel 32:17 → Matthew 25:31-46	The judgment of the nations in Ezekiel 32:17 is similar to the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25:31-46, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.
8	Ezekiel 32:18 → 1 Peter 5:5-7	The prophecy against the leaders of the nations in Ezekiel 32:18 is similar to the prophecy against the proud in 1 Peter 5:5-7, highlighting the importance of humility and trust in God's mercy and grace.
9	Ezekiel 32:20 → Psalm 9:15-20	The image of the nations being cast into the pit is similar to the image of the wicked being caught in their own snares in Psalm 9:15-20, highlighting the judgment that will befall those who exalt themselves against God.
10	Ezekiel 32:32 → Isaiah 14:24-27	The prophecy against Pharaoh in Ezekiel 32:32 is similar to the prophecy against the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14:24-27, highlighting the judgment that will befall the nations that exalt themselves against God.

Sermons on Ezekiel 32

	Sermon	Description
	Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 2 by Alan Cairns	This sermon emphasizes the need for a visitation of the Spirit of God in the midst of corruption and wickedness, calling for prophetic voices to speak truth and uphold the gospel.
	Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns	This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m
	Voices From Hell and What They Have to Say to America Today by Alan Cairns	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that America and other nations are at war with God. He warns that no nation, no matter how great and powerful,

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 32

In his commentary on Ezekiel 32, Matthew Henry highlights the judgment that will befall Pharaoh and Egypt, emphasizing the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. He notes that the chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, and that the prophecy against Pharaoh is a reminder of God's sovereignty and power. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace, recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and humbling ourselves before Him. He highlights the universal nature of God's judgment, declaring that all nations will be held accountable for their actions, and that God's judgment is not just a punishment, but also a means of restoring His people to Himself (Ezekiel 32:1-32). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Use of Animal Imagery

The chapter uses animal imagery, such as the lion and the whale, to describe Pharaoh's strength and dominance. However, these images also serve as reminders of the transience of human power and the inevitability of God's judgment.

The Emphasis on Pride

The chapter emphasizes the dangers of pride, warning nations and individuals against exalting themselves against God. The prophet highlights the consequences of pride, including shame, dishonor, and judgment.

The Universal Nature of God's Judgment

The chapter serves as a warning to all nations who exalt themselves against God, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. The prophet declares that God's judgment is universal, and that all nations will be held accountable for their actions.